Beauty

The Great ‘Fro Debate: To Touch, or Not to Touch?

I swear I’ve seen like three articles about whether it’s okay or not okay to touch a black woman’s natural hair. Vonnie posted this article, about a woman so outraged that a white woman asked to touch her hair that she was right-ready to drown the woman who called her a “black bitch” just loud enough for her to catch wind of her mouth fart.

The author of the blog explained why she refused the white woman’s request:

Because my black ancestors may have been your ancestors property, and had to smile while they got touched in ways they didn’t want to, but I am not YOUR property and never will be so you’d best move your hand away from me.

I TOTALLY co-sign this video, and I thought that this go ’round, women were wearing their hair natural to be their authentic selves, not as some type of political statement. I know it can be both, but which is it more of?

And the more I learn about the chick from The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, the more I like her.

Actress Issa Rae, star/creator of the web series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl,” said she has been natural all of her life. She had cut her hair and worked the short afro into the character, who was heartbroken and starting over.

“I had someone ask me if I wear my hair like this to honor my ancestors, and that was funny to me,” she said. “This is not for Kunta [Kinte].”

Now this is obviously a source of confusion for rainbeaus, is it not? How will he know if, when he asks to touch your hair, you might say, A.) “Why sure you can!” or B.) “WHO THE EFF DO YOU THINK I AM, YOUR MAMMY?! TOUCH MY HAIR AND I’LL CUT YOUR HAND OFF WITH MY BUTTER KNIFE!”

Perhaps we should wear some sort of sign that indicates whether black women wearing their natural hair are doing so to channel their inner Black Pantress, or just saying buh-bye to the creamy crack.

Suggestions?

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